VB writes to Punjab CS, seeks guidelines on purchase of tree guards

Chandigarh, January 25

In the tree guard purchase scam of the Punjab Forest Department, the state Vigilance Bureau has sought clear guidelines in purchase of tree guards by the department.

During the course of investigations carried by the VB in the purchase of tree guards, it has found that no stock register was maintained regarding receipts and further installation of tree guards. It has also been pointed out that no fixed time schedule was set to install the tree guards.

In a letter written to Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, Special DGP-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau Varinder Kumar said the physical target of purchasing bamboo tree guards at a rate of Rs 350 per tree guard, iron tree guards at a rate of Rs 110 per tree guard and concrete tree guards at rate of Rs 1,800 per tree guard under compensatory afforestation were not found to have been achieved as margin of embezzlement of funds was less compared to concrete tree guard purchased at a rate of Rs 2,400 per tree guard under net present value.

There was urgent need to streamline the procurement process and ensure competitive quotations for purchase of tree guards, specifying the type, size, and quality material, it has been further pointed out. The VB has maintained that funds amounting to crore of rupees earmarked for purchase of tree guards were embezzled.